Wbg. U. to hold Mini-Relay for Life

For the sixth consecutive year, Waynesburg University will hold its Mini-Relay for Life Sunday. This photo taken at last year’s event shows the traditional survivor’s lap during festivities on the campus. This year’s goal is to raise $24,000.

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WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg University will host its sixth annual Mini-Relay for Life from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Johnson Commons.

From dawn to dusk, teams of university students split their members into groups to walk for an hour at a time, making sure a representative of each team is on the course at all times. The public is invited to attend and enjoy food, games and prizes.

The co-chairs for this year’s Relay, Shawn Wharrey, a senior biology major, and Emily Weiss, a sophomore nursing major, estimate that 600 people from campus and the community will participate in the event.

“Relay for Life is such a great way to bring together a community to fight back against a disease that doesn’t have any borders,” Wharrey said. “We have all been affected or know someone who has been affected by cancer, and Relay is a way to celebrate those who have won their battles, remember those who have lost their battles and fight back through education and fundraising.”

During Mini-Relay for Life, campus organizations sell food and products as well as host activities to engage the campus and community in the fundraising cause. Organizations also are encouraged to fundraise as teams or individuals before the event.

“We have some great team fundraising happening again this year,” Wharrey said. “The teams never surprise me with their new and reoccurring fundraisers. They work very hard, and it definitely pays off.”

The event will begin with a dedication by Waynesburg University President Timothy R. Thyreen and a captain’s lap. University Chaplain Tom Ribar will host an ecumenical service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

This year’s activities will include a Kid’s Zone with inflatables, balloon artists and children’s games, a Sheetz Coffee Truck, a car smash, a magic show and more.

Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of student services, has implemented six Mini-Relays at Waynesburg. Every year, Hardie and the relay captains establish a certain monetary goal.

“The goal for this year’s Relay is to raise $24,000,” Hardie said. “This would be the most Waynesburg has ever raised for the American Cancer Society.”

The Mini-Relay for Life will conclude with a performance by The Lamplighter Touring Choir. At dusk, a traditional Luminaria Ceremony and a spiritual service will be held by the university’s Upper Room ministry.

“Raising money brings hope for a cure one day,” Hardie said. “This event also celebrates those who have won the battle against this horrific disease.”

For more information, email khardie@waynesburg.edu or call 724-852-3402.